James "Jim" Leroy Gentry was born in Valentine, Nebraska at the Cherry County hospital to Edwin "Bud" Thurston and Nellie Gentry. Jim graduated from Valentine Rural High School in 1977 and was employed as a cook from the age of fourteen until his diagnosis and battle with esophageal cancer in 2012. On July 27, 2013 Jim married his lifetime partner, Sandra Bordeaux with whom they shared their love and home with their dogs Sassy, Spike, Lucy, and Louie. Jim's passion included music, concerts, and Husker football; which he shared with family and friends. Jim enjoyed spending time with his nieces, nephews, and friends.
On August 27, 2012 Jim was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and in December 2012 underwent surgery to remove the tumor and his esophagus. Jim's cancer went into remission until July 2013 when numerous tumors were located in his stomach, spine, and throat. Jim continued chemotherapy treatments until October 2013 and on December 28, 2013 lost his battle with cancer with his wife at his side.
Jim is survived by his wife Sandy Bordeaux-Gentry of Valentine, NE; mother Nellie Gentry of Valentine, NE; sister Sandy Gentry (Earl Sayer) of North Platte, NE; father and mother in-law Roderick and Shirley Bordeaux of Valentine, NE; nephew Scott Battershaw (Pam Battershaw) of Valentine, NE; niece Patti H Lee of David City, NE; niece and nephew Hannah and Harry Gentry of Florida; nieces Neeley Gentry of Lincoln, NE and Brooke Gentry of Minneapolis, MN; nephew Chris Zimmerman; brother and sister in-law Danny and Lisa Homan of Valentine, NE; sister and brother in-law Eddie and Jackie Nicholson of Valentine, NE; sister in-law Robin Bordeaux of Valentine, NE, sister in-law Jamie Bordeaux of Valentine, NE and several great nieces and nephews and close friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his father, Edwin Thurston Gentry, brothers John Gentry and Harry Gentry, and his beloved animals Patches, Sidney, and Walkie.

Funeral service for Jim Gentry age 56 of Valentine will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 11:00 AM at the Methodist church in Valentine. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be a 2:00 PM on Tuesday at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine.